Urban Church

While we were in our "urban" African training, we attended church with Trey's translator and then ate lunch with his family. We've been to what we would consider "urban" churches and village churches in our home country. This church, even being in a city, had more of a village feel. It's a church plant in a neighborhood and pretty small. We walk into the compound and see a small office "building" on the right, and in front of us 3 walls with a tin roof for the church building and plastic chairs for seating. We've been to "urban" churches here before, but this was nice since it was a new church. We enjoyed the time there. We had some worship with just our voices, a drum set, & a djembe. During the worship time, the children from the surrounding community came into the compound and had a good 'ole time dancing & singing. They told us later they had been able to form a children's ministry through this. Next, we had a time of testimony where Trey shared his testimony, and others shared about how the Lord is working in their lives. During the testimony time, we also enjoyed a song from a lady in the church - not necessarily on key, but the was definitely joy in her worship. And it ended with 2 songs by the children - maybe one of these days our internet will be decent enough to upload the video :) We then had a short sermon and closed out the service.

After the service, we walked to Trey's translator's house for lunch with him & his family. The food we ate was good - traditional African food. We had seasoned rice, spinach, and meat that's a little too tough to chew. We also had some delicious lime juice & bissap juice (google it, maybe there's an American version). So, you know we all have things that are scary and intimidating when doing something new. I was a little afraid I wouldn't like the food and would have a hard time pretending like I did. I didn't have that problem, however, I did encounter another problem.

Remember how I said that meat was a little too tough to chew?? Well, it's also a little too tough to cut, especially when the only utensil we had was a spoon. I was doing pretty good getting small enough bites and chew long enough to eventually swallow it. And then I had a problem... I got a piece that was a little too big and a little too tough. I had been chewing on this piece for what seemed like forever, tried to swallow, and it didn't go in my favor. I begin to choke on the meat as it's stuck in my throat. Trey is trying to talk to me to help me and then jumps up and gets ready to preform the heimlich maneuver. The wife of the household jumps up to get a bowl to help me and next thing I know, I'm beginning to throw up! Oh, what a nightmare! The bowl came at the perfect time, and I was completely fine. This was one of those moments when I was thankful that I could blame things on my pregnancy and she would understand, since she's had three kids. I was soooo embarrassed and felt absolutely horrible. After that, I tried to not stop complimenting how delicious the food was. They were really nice and understanding. And of course, after it was all over and I was ok, Trey was excited to have a good story to share :) He definitely has a funny version of the experience, sound effects and all. My lesson learned, no more big bites with tough meat.

bye bye for a bit

We've grown up in a generation that is constantly connected. Our generation is addicted to Facebook, Twitter, cell phones, etc. It's hard for us to remember life before Google and only having home phone lines. We are constantly connected.

For the next month we will be unconnected. That's a strange feeling for us. We will be spending time at a training a few countries to the left. We're really looking forward to this time. We'll spend time in 3 different African settings - urban, rural, and in a family's home. We will have daily assignments in the community to help us better understand culture and living here.

So, this is us signing off for a little bit. When we return to the world of connectivity we will have many stories, pictures, and updates. Please pray for us during this month. Pray for our learning, our strength, our health, and our lack of connection with friends and family. Pray for those leading the training and the others attending it with us. We will update here as soon as we are connected again. Bye bye for a bit!

it's a GIRL!

On Friday, we found out we're having a girl! We both actually thought it was a girl - not sure why I did... I guess a feeling. The night before the appointment Trey had a dream it was a girl - and that as an infant she actually talked to him & gave him a high five. We went to the doctor's appointment hoping we'd find out the gender, but not positive since I am only 17.5 weeks. Our doctor checked everything out - the skull, the spine, the organs (which he would point out every one he was looking at and we just nodded in approval), the legs and arms, and then we went on a hunt for the gender. It was a little difficult since her legs were crossed and knees held closely together. At first, he said 80% sure it's a girl, and after another view said more it confidently. Of course, we were excited to learn the gender, but it was also fun to see something that actually looked like a baby and not a blob. I mean, sometimes she looked a little freaky, like when it would focus on the skeleton :) but she's absolutely beautiful, and definitely a little lady. The baby was measuring closer to 19 weeks, 10 days ahead of what we thought... so soon we will have a pool for the actual birth date, since the due date ranges from March 8th-18th! She was very comfortable through the entire ultrasound and only moved a few times. I tried to pay attention to what it felt like when she moved so I could feel it later, but I didn't feel anything. Everyone says I'll feel her soon enough. We've chosen a girl's name, but for now we're just sharing with friends & family (and still trying to settle on a middle name. We leave you with a picture of our precious little skeleton.

language learning

Can we talk for just a minute about language learning? And not just learning another language, but learning another language in a country where English is widely spoken. Learning a new language is never easy. In high school we were required to take a foreign language. I took French because there was 1 French teacher and she was easy and 3 Spanish teachers, only one of which was easy. Clearly, French was the best option. And I enjoyed it too. However, there are very few things I can remember in the French language. I know some basic Spanish (like 1-10 and how are you) because it's easy to pick up in America. And when I went to Ecuador and was submersed in the language, it seemed easy to pick up. English, French, and Spanish all have similarities. They've all be relatively easy to learn, even just the basics.

Here, we're learning Hausa. Hausa is not like English... in any way, shape, or form. I take that back, it uses the same alphabet, minus 3 or 4 letters. It sounds different. Hausa uses tones... of which I cannot hear. Take for instance the word gibi. Depending on the tone it can mean the Lord's Supper or it can mean the day after tomorrow. There's a big difference in those two things. In Hausa, you roll your r's and "swallow" some of the sounds. Not to mention, as with most languages, there are different dialects. There are places that use the p sound where an f is. There are places where people use a word to mean husband that in other parts mean a married women's boyfriend. We are doing barefoot language learning - meaning, we each have a helper that comes 4 times a week and we tell them what we need to know. And even though they speak good English, sometimes it takes some time to get across what we need to learn.

We had our first assessment about 6 weeks ago, and we both passed. But sometimes it's just really hard to progress to the next level. For me, I can understand a lot more than I can speak. I understand it because I know a few words in the sentence and use context clues (there's an elementary school teacher out there smiling because I still use context clues) to figure out what they're saying. Trey is great at speaking the language, but he doesn't always understand what is being asked of him. I would say we make a pretty good team. When we were traveling the other day we stopped at a checkpoint and Trey greeted the police in Hausa. They got excited, as they always do when we speak Hausa to them, and began to ask him more questions. I relayed what the officer asked to Trey and he then responded in almost perfect Hausa. Like I said, a good team.

Language learning isn't always easy, nor is it always fun. But what is fun is seeing the response we get from people. With English so widely spoken, they don't expect ex-pats to learn Hausa. When we can greet someone, answer simple questions, and tell them we're learning Hausa and we understand "kadun-kadun" (small-small) it changes the whole mood of everyone involved in the conversation. It shows people that you care enough to talk to them in their heart language. We've been at it for about 2 months and today was our last day with our helpers for at least a month. It will be difficult to come back and jump right in where we left off. We will forget things, and that's a little frustrating. So, pray that we will retain more than we think and we'll be able to continue to learn and pick it up quickly.

pink or blue?

When we found out we were pregnant, I could not wait to find out what we were having. Trey would be ok with not finding out, but I'm a planner and at least with this child, I want to know. Almost immediately I began searching online for ways to tell when you're having. We began discussing names for boy or girl. It's been easy to decide on a girl's name, not so much for a boy's name. Anyway, I decided for fun that I'd make a post about old wives' tales for gender & give you my personal results before letting you know the official word from the doctor :) So, I did a google search and found 10 wives' tales to test. (and no, this picture is not me - simply another google find.)

Sweet or Salty

Supposedly cravings can determine the gender. They say craving sweets & it's a girl. Craving salty (or sour, which I'm not sure those two tastes even go together) it's a boy.

Results: I could basically open our salt shaker and drink it. Anything sweet I eat has to be followed by something salty. However, I have had a random craving for chocolate milk, but that's probably because it's just not that easy to get here. Anyway, salty cravings would indicate a boy.

Baby's Heartbeat
They say 140+ beats is a girl, and below 140 beats is a boy.
Results: We've ranged from 140-160 bpm. This would indicate a girl.

Shape of Belly

They say you can tell gender by the way the mother is carrying. If you're carrying high and it's shaped like a watermelon, it's a girl. If you're carrying low and it's like a basketball, it's a boy.

Results: Well, since I'm not exactly showing very much, this one is hard. However, I do feel that I'm carrying low, but that could change easily. For the fun of this post, we'll give this one to the boys.

Chinese Birth Chart
Basically, you can go to this website and fill in the information. They'll tell you the gender prediction according to the Chinese calendar.
Results: The Chinese say it's a girl.

Mayan's Prediction (of course we have to get cultural here.. first Chinese, now Mayan)

The Mayan's based gender prediction on the mother's age at conception & the year of conception. If both are even or odd, it's a girl. If they are opposite, one even one odd, it's a boy.

Results: The Mayan's say it's a girl.

Side You Rest On
If you tend to lay on your left side to rest, it's a boy. Right side, it's a girl.
Results: Typically I lay on my left side. I can prove this because I wake up in the morning with my left ear feeling bruised. I guess I have a heavy head :) This vote is boy.

Morning Sickness
They say if you have an easy pregnancy with not much nausea, it's a boy. If you're really sick with lots of morning sickness, a girl.
Results: I'm in my second trimester and total threw up twice (TMI, I know). Talking to my doctor about the pregnancy he said, "It seems like you're having an easy pregnancy." I feel the same way, since I know people who've been much more sick than me. I also know people who have had the opposite of this wives' tale, however, according to this, it's a boy.

Acne

Yes, no one really likes to talk about it or deal with it, but hormones can bring it out. The old wives' tale says that if the mother is breaking out, the baby girl is stealing her beauty.

Results: I seriously have never had acne this bad. It's horrible. So, if this child is stealing my beauty, it better be beautiful :) This would indicate a girl.

Headaches

If you're having headaches during pregnancy, you're carrying a boy.

Results: I've definitely had some headaches. A couple have knocked me out for the day. This indicates a boy.

Baby Names
Supposedly if you can only agree on a name for either a boy or a girl, that's what you're having.
Results: Like I said at the beginning, we can only agree on a girl's name. In fact, we have several girl's names we like and agree on, even for future children, but this boy name is killer. I guess this means a girl.

So, according to these "tests" it's 50/50 :) I guess we will just have to wait and see!

weekend in the capital city

We have a great family back home (and friends too!). There were some things that didn't make it in our suitcases when we first came here and some things we've realized we wanted/needed since arriving. Not to mention, adding a pregnancy to the mix and things that come along with it. Our great family and friends compiled all of those things, packed them in a suitcase, and got them to a group in the states coming for a trip. We had to go to the capital city to pick it up from the group and decided to treat ourselves with some time away.

When we got to town, the family we traveled with took us to get pizza. This was awesome, because of course I had been craving pizza :) I like all sorts of pizza back home, but the one time I've ordered pizza here it took an hour to make and ended up being the wrong thing. Here, we were easily able to order, watch them make our pizza, put it in the oven, and it was out all within 15-20 minutes. And it was delicious!

Delicious, yummy, satisfying pizza

The first night we stayed at an American hotel. It was a little pricey, but we decided to treat ourselves :) The room was nothing fancy, but it did have AC, TV, and room service. There was an American style steak house at the hotel that we splurged at for dinner. I'm not necessarily a steak fan, but this steak was pretty dang good. And Trey was more than happy with his steak.

the bread!

Kristen's steak

Trey's steak & baked potatoes - with the works

The next morning we spent some time walking around the hotel, deciding on what all the foreigners were doing there. We headed to our company's guest house before lunch to meet the group that brought our goodies. To get there, we used an old fashion GPS, a.k.a. me & a map. We're lucky we made it there since I'm horrible with directions :) We had so much fun sorting through everything that was sent to us. We spent time with the group talking about what they're doing here and hearing their heart for all to hear the Good News.

GPS

Our goodies - filled with maternity clothes, new clothes for Trey,
supplies, sheets, painting canvases, and so much more!

Happy Trey with his new hat 

new rainbows = excited floridians 

We didn't go out until after 4:00 since it was Friday afternoon and half the city closes down for Friday Mosque. We've seen a lot of mosque's since being here, but this one is by far the most beautiful. It's the national mosque. Looking at it I thought it's so sad that something so beautiful on the outside can teach something so deceitful.

Saturday we spent driving around, enjoying the "modern" city. Seriously, with it's divided highways, smooth roads, big buildings, almost constant power, and some decent public transportation, it's the most modern city we've been in here. We even were taken to a grocery store that could make us forget we're in West Africa, that is until the power went out and they switched to the generator :) We made our way over to another restaurant where we enjoyed some delicious humus dip - comparable to Red Elephant's humus dip. We were even offered ice for our drinks. We just looked at each other and laughed. We decided against the ice since we weren't sure if it came from filtered water, but just to be offered it was nice.

What, you mean you've never seen a soccer game in the middle of an off ramp?

public restroom - or lack thereof.

Humus & Pita Bread

We really enjoyed the time away and yes, we realize that a lot of it was focused on food :) We are excited that we get to go back this weekend since we are flying out for some training. We hear there's a pretty awesome pool at a different hotel that we plan to spend some time at :)

one of those days...

Today. It was one of those days for me. You know, we all have them. Days that, for no good reason, are just bad days. Nothing went terribly wrong. It was just a bad day. Let me just take you through my day.

We woke up the morning away from home. We were in the city we need to be in to check out of aliens in order to travel internationally. I guess you can say I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. We went to the office to check out. We sat with the man in charge as the paperwork was filled out. After it was done, he mention something about a fee. We had heard nothing of this before, and bribes being a regular thing here made us suspicious. I didn't like doubting this man because he's been so nice and helpful before. But in that moment, I got irritated. He let us leave with our paperwork and without paying anything. He said we could talk to a colleague and bring the money back by. We leave, call her, and sure enough, a fee was needed. So then, I just feel horrible for not believing him.

Now, we're trying to leave the city to get back to our house in good time. We needed gas (which our car takes diesel) and there happens to be a gas problem in the city - gas being petrol, not what we needed. We drive to the front of the line where the attendants are annoyed with us. The national with us tells them we need diesel. They understand and tell us to pull up, outside the gate, near the diesel pump. We sit there for a while and then the attendant tells us to pull into the gate... and at the gate, another attendant yells at us, that we're doing something wrong. The national gets out and tells him what we're doing, and then gets frustrated, gets in the car and we drive off. Eventually we found another station with diesel. So, we set out to get to a new road that is faster to get out of town. We end up on a dirt road with massive potholes, I mean the kind you can lose a car in. Now, all of this is actually a normal day here, but remember, today was just one of those days.

We finally get out of the city and on our way. Only now, I'm starving. I lay down in the backseat trying to ward off the hunger, only it's hard to sleep because of the horn. You see, going through towns on the way, the horn has to be honked often. People run out in front of the car, children are walking home from school, and cars pull onto the road without looking. Which leads me to something else that bothers me here - the fact that road rules are not necessarily followed. They have a road safety book with rules very similar to a western country, but all the rules seem to be relative to the situation at hand. Again, these are things I've dealt with on a daily basis here, but today it just rubbed me the wrong way.

By the time we got home, all I wanted to do was eat some fast food for dinner. Something quick and easy. Luckily, this city does have some western style restaurants. They're not fast by any means, but at least I didn't have to cook it.

During training, people told us about these days. They don't happen often, but when they do, they're pretty difficult. I don't say all of this to complain. Most days this stuff doesn't bother me. It's just part of living in Africa. But today, it did. At training, they told us on days like today we need to rely on the Lord more than anything. So that's how I'll end my evening. Resting in Him and His Word, because that's all I can do on this day.

answering the questions

Since making it official (a.k.a. by announcing on FB) that we're bringing a little Fondren into this world, we've had a lot of congratulations and excitement come our way. We are thrilled! Along with all the excitement has come some concern, understandably... we do live in Africa. So I wanted to answer some questions and concerns to let you all know how me & baby F are being cared for :) Some things are still left to be answered, but here's what's going on now.

First, I have a husband that takes good care of me. The 2 times I had bad morning sickness, he was up getting me sprite and bread. He's also been very understanding in my exhaustion & food aversions & the smelliness of our new home. Along with everything he's adjusting to here, he has a hormonal wife at his side and he's doing amazing :)

Second, healthcare. The country we're in has a lot of ex-pat workers, including an American OBGYN. So never fear, we are in good care. We love our doctor. He's been here longer than we have and has helped in answering so many questions, not only regarding pregnancy, but also being here. He takes as much time with us as we need and has my & the baby's health as his highest concern. We even have his personal cell phone number for emergencies, which we haven't had to use yet, but we have used it for general questions.

Third, vitamins. Got'em. No worries here. We have this taken care of. Luckily, I brought some vitamins & supplements with us and we were able to get folic acid here. I'm getting all of it that is needed. And the food here is much less processed. After giving the veggies a good cleaning and running the water through a filter, I'm staying healthy & hydrated.

Lastly, delivery. While we have a great doctor here, we will not be delivering here. He's great and knows what he is doing, but the facilities aren't the best. We have some options for where and some stipulations regarding getting back into the country. We are currently working through all of this and will let you know as we know more. We do know that I will leave the country about a month before my due date (which is March 18th) and stay wherever the baby will be born. Trey will come about a week before the due date. And if I am progressing faster, he will get there sooner. We're blessed to be with a company that has done this many times before. They know what needs to happen to have us in the same place at the right time.

There are many other things that run through my head... scary emergency situations that I'm not sure how they would be handled. When my mind starts to race with those, I simply remind myself that the good Lord is in control of the situation. He knew we were going to have a baby before we did. And He knew we'd be living in Africa when it would happen, so I have to trust that He will take care of us.

6 week ultrasound

a box (or padded envelope) filled with love

Since I posted a picture on FB of the package we received, we got a lot of interest and questions about sending something our way. We would LOVE to get anything from America - letters, cards, pictures. It's just something that shows us we're not forgotten about. It's extremely encouraging to open something sent to us knowing that the time was taken to write it or pack it. So, I've complied a list of this we like that are either difficult or expensive to get here. When I look at the list I made, I feel needy. Seriously, we do not expect the packages to be full of the things on this list. I like options and I know other people do too, so I racked my brain and came up with plenty of options. If you like food and want us to enjoy our food, then send food. If you like to clean and want our house to smell good, then send household items. If you like entertainment, then send things that will make us laugh or cry.

If you would like to send something, please contact me for our address. Simply send an email, post on FB, or leave a comment. And if you have any questions, please let me know. If there is something you'd like to send, but not sure if it would make it, just ask. We have many resources here that we can check with about what will make it through customs and what won't.

yes.. I know..

I'm not as good at posting on here as we were in Canada. There are a lot of different factors... one being the internet. It's not always a good enough connection to open blogger. And two, power... sometimes we want to use our computer for other things, since power can be hit or miss & we want to keep it charge (speaking of, going on about 55 hours without power, but no worries, the generator charged up the computer). And three, we found out 2 weeks after being here that we're having a baby! Waiting to make it "public" has made me more silent on the blog front. Now that everything is out in the open, the computer is charged, and the internet is decent (however, I may have just jinxed myself), I'm attempting to update you on our life.

Next week we will start month 4 in our new home. There is still so much to adjust to here. Before coming here I had never heard the Islamic Call to Prayer, and now I hear it 5 times a day (including 4:30 am). It's starting to blend in as background noise. Also, I could only speak and greet people in one language (not including the little bit of Spanish I know and the French I learned in high school). Now, if  I want, I can greet in English and Hausa, and greeting everyone here is very important. I've learned how many hours of power you need to keep your food frozen, and how quickly the food can go bad. I've learned that ants like anything they can eat - water, sugar, nutella, lays potato chips, etc. Anything they can get their hands on, they will. I've learned to sleep without a fan. I always slept with a fan on in America, but here, if the power's out, no fan. You get used to it. I've learned to cook a lot more. I am not good at it still (and currently have an oven that doesn't have a temperature gage so that has made things very interesting), but I'm learning and we're not starving!

Along with all of the cultural changes of moving to a completely different country, I've also dealt with pregnancy changes! Anyone I asked about pregnancy before always said their sense of smell was heightened. Let me just say, you've never known your sense of smell to be heightened until you've lived in a smelly place. I've had to be careful with what foods I ate, afraid of getting sick from it. I also have had to always carry snacks on me, which is difficult to do since there aren't many snack items around or any fast food restaurants. I've dealt with cravings... seriously, I craved any American restaurant food (Chili's especially). Pretty much anything we can't get, I craved. The good news is I haven't had to wear dress pants or jeans that don't fit - just my elastic skirts, even though I still fit perfectly in my jeans.

These past 3 months have been such an adventure and learning experience for us. We've grown in so many ways. And by any means, it has not been easy living here, but I will say it is getting easier. The things that seemed like such a nuisance in the beginning have now become a way of life. We are trying new things and learning a little more every day.

I was planning to leave you with some pictures, however, I in fact did jinx myself and am just hoping I can get this to actually post :) Welcome to our life in Africa.

Cooking: Chicken Pillows from Scratch

Well, we've survived our first month and a half without starving. Of course, lots of thanks to the other colleagues here who fed us in the beginning and several other times. However, I have done some cooking. We can get things here - American things in fact - it's just expensive. And believe me, we're willing to spend it sometimes. We can get potatoes out the wazoo on the side of the road, but when you have to make every thing else from scratch, instant mashed potatoes are a life saver. All of that being said, let me introduce you to Chicken Pillows. (I don't have my own picture since we devoured them too fast.)

I love pillsbury crescent rolls. Like love. And even more so, love it when a recipe calls for them. But alas, we cannot get them here :) So, if you try out this recipe you can buy some pillsbury in my honor (not the fat free kind) or make them from scratch like me. (side note: the night before I made this, I tried hamburger buns from scratch. They were flat, think, and all around not good. So, I didn't have much confidence in making another dough item from scratch.) I found a very simple recipe here and successfully made it, this time.

Anyway, onto the chicken pillows. Trey said, "Oh wow, these are great. Seriously, the best meal you've made since we've been here." Obviously, that is why they are blog worthy.

INGREDIENTS

1 (8 oz) can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2-3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 egg
• 1 sleeve Saltine Crackers crushed
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 spoonfuls sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 F
2. Soften 1/4 cup butter and 8oz. block of cream cheese. Then stir to a smooth consistency. Add cooked shredded chicken to the bowl.
3. Lay out the 8 crescents on a cookie sheet. Stretch the crescent out. 
4. Place a couple spoon fulls of the creamy chicken mixture into the center of the crescent to fill it. Then fold the crescent around the mixture so that none of it is showing. I'll call this the "pillow".
5. In a separate smaller bowl, put the egg and a little bit of water, maybe a couple Tablespoons worth and beat together.Dip the "pillow" into the blended egg. After dipping into the blended egg, proceed to dip it into the crushed saltine crackers and place on cookie sheet. Repeat for the remaining 7 crescents.
6. Cook the pillows at 400 F for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them your oven might cook them quicker.
7. For the sauce topping: Put can of cream of chicken and milk into a sauce pan. Add as much milk as you want to get it to the consistency you want i.e. thicker or runnier. When hot enough add 2 spoon fulls of sour cream and cheese to your liking.

Alright, what I did different: well, we can find cream of mushroom here (for now at least) but not cream of chicken. So, I cooked my chicken in a pressure cooker & used the broth from that to add to the cream of mushroom. I also added milk, gouda cheese (since it was already shredded), and a little bit of adobo (Trey's favorite seasoning). Also, when you put the chicken mixture in the crescent roll, make sure it's in the center. I messed up with the first one, but figured it out by the second one :) This actually made 10 for us - could be because the crescent roll recipe makes more, but we had plenty of chicken mixture to fill 10. The whole household was pleased. Can't wait to make them again!

Pictures from our first week

As mentioned before, our first week was spent at a retreat with other workers in our country. While at the retreat center, Trey hiked up a hill and got some great pictures looking out over the valley. We also got to go to a waterfall! It was really neat!

Layover in London

So, this might be a month late - but I've just gotten some time to write an update & upload pictures! We flew from Vancouver to London - overnight. We got to London shortly after lunch and had about 9 hours. Who really wants to sit in an airport for 9 hours, especially when you're in a big city with awesome mass transit. So we set out on our way. I was determined to see Westminster Abbey (and the door that was the focal point of the Royal Wedding), Big Ben, & eat fish and chips. So we took the tube into town and walked around seeing all the "big sites" AND seeing where they were setting up for the Olympics.

the details

Let me set the scene for you. We had been here for just over a week at a retreat center. After the retreat, we needed to start getting things set up. The city we were in at first was put on a curfew because of some problems in the area (none near us, but the whole city was only allowed "out" for 6 hours - chaos is an understatement). We went with our supervisors and got some chips (french fries) at a nice restaurant. Very delicious chips :) And then we decided to start our cell phone hunt. Did I mention it's also rainy season?

So, we walk across the "4-lane highway" wherever we find an opening in the traffic and head towards the part of town that sells cell phones. Trey knew he wanted a blackberry type phone, so he told our supervisor. Our supervisor did not know where to start to find that phone or even what price range would be reasonable for that. And at this point, I've already had one man rub my arm and say, "Ooh, I like." To which I just kept walking, staying a little closer to Trey :) We began to get overwhelmed trying to find the phone he wanted and explaining it. We didn't know that we needed to know the exact model. After going into a couple of the "stores" (I use that term loosely), we didn't know what to do. We turn around and see our supervisor's wife walking up with a national, saying, "Look who I found!" She introduces us to him and tells us this was one of their sons best friends. Isn't it just like the Lord to provide a national who is very trusted to show up at the very moment that I thought we'd never get a cell phone.

Trey told him what he wanted and since he knew some of the people working he began to search out. We found the blackberry's, but all of the were used - even had the AT&T logo on them :) and they were rather pricey. He took us into other stores and found a similar phone, even better I think, for a decent price. He took care of all the wheeling and dealing for us. And then took us to get our phone numbers back across the road. As we're buying those at a plastic picnic table on the side of the "4-lane highway" under a umbrella, the skies open up! It's a downpour. We still had one more thing to get our phone activated and it was 2 umbrellas down. We waited under a store front while our new friend went back and forth seeing what number we were in line to have our phones activated. Eventually, we ran out in the rain, under our second umbrella, and got it all taken care of.

I truly believe God intervened in our overwhelming moment. He sent the perfect person in our path to help us with this little detail. It's not a huge thing having a cell phone. We can get by without them, however, we've learned to live with them. And we could have gotten a cell phone without His help. But God chose to help us in our very time of need. I'm so thankful we serve One who cares about the little details.

week one

Well, as of 5:00 am last Monday, we landed safely in our new home. We've spent the last week at a retreat with other co-workers. It's been a great time to meet everyone and get somewhat acclimated to our new culture. It's also been good to get adjusted to our new time zone. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and the birds are very different - and very noisy in the early hours :)

We're spending this next week getting all our things set up. We're beginning to adjust to the power "cycle" and speed of internet - or lack thereof. Lots of new things to adjust to, but we're thankful to have people here to help us in all the changes.

We'll be doing our best to keep updating here. We have some great pictures from our final days in Vancouver, layover in London, and our first week here. Looking forward to settling in and making our life here.

different types of grief

I know grief. I've experienced it several times in my life. Mostly related to death. Going through this transition, it has been brought to my attention a different form of grief. Last month we said our "see you laters" to our family, not sure when we would see them again. Yesterday we said "see you later" to friends we've been with over the last 5 months. These people share our same passions in life. We have an immediate connection with them because of what we do. Some of these people have become like family to us. We've watched their children grow up and change in 5 months. And we now have to go our separate ways. I'm personally experiencing some grief in that. The idea that I may run into them overseas, even though they'll be on a different continent. It is different grief though, because I know there is a possibility of me seeing these friends again.

One of the things that helps in this grief and in the losses that I've experienced, is knowing, no matter what, I'll see these friends in heaven. Pray for all of us as we transition to our new homes. Some board a plane today, some tomorrow, and still others later this week. Pray for safe and smooth travels and easy transition. Also, pray for the children involved in these moves.

We ask you pray also today for a friend in Panama City burying her husband. Allison and her husband (Drew), along with their first child due soon (Ruby), were in a car accident on Monday. As I sit and write this, my heart physically hurts for her. We know that he loved the Lord, and like I said earlier, we will see in him in heaven, but sometimes that doesn't take away the pain. I'm so thankful that Allison is surrounded by an incredible godly family that will hold her up when it seems too hard to bear. Pray for strength for her, his family, and for all those effected by his death. Pray also that God will be glorified through this.

To end on a happy note - do you like our updates on our blog?! One of those friends that is like family that I mentioned above is an excellent graphic designer and helped to update our simple blog :) What she did in a matter of hours would have taken me days!! Thanks Leslie!! (That's one girl I'm going to have a really hard time saying "see you later" to.)

Baby Owen

Today our new nephew is one week old! Last Wednesday night, June 13, after a full day of labor for my sister-in-law, precious Owen Willis Farr made his presence in our world. He's absolutely adorable and perfect in every way! We met him via Skype on Thursday. I could not stop staring at the screen. I'm so thankful for technology during times like these, but in some ways it all doesn't seem real. Just another time that I realize life back home goes on, even while we're away. And our life will go on, too. For now, I'll leave you with some pictures of my favorite nephew (of course because he's the only one so far) and his amazing parents. I cannot wait to hold this little boy one day - although, when that day comes I might actually be chasing him around.

Healthy baby & mom

Meeting Aunt Kristen & Uncle Trey

Heading home from the hospital (wearing plaid like his daddy always does!)

momentary freak out

Yesterday I had one of those. It hit me. All of the sudden, this thing we've been talking about for a year is here. We're really doing this. We're really moving to Africa.

I've been reading some colleagues blogs to prepare myself. Unfortunately, it triggered a freak out.

I knew that we would encounter days without power, to which I rationalized - I grew up in Florida... with hurricanes. I've done this whole no power thing. And then it hit me. This is going to be life. Not just a week or two without power, but a complete change of our lifestyle.

I knew that I would be cooking most meals from scratch, to which I rationalized - I can cook hamburger helper. And obviously, that's not a good rationalization. And then it hit me. We might starve. I can't cook. Trey, please forgive me now for your upcoming starvation.

I knew we would be learning a new language, to which I rationalized - the national language is English. There will be no problems communicating. And then it hit me. I want to relate to the hearts of the people we're going to serve. Their heart is not English. To reach their heart I need to speak their native language.

A year ago things were very different. We were just accepting this new position and beginning to transition our lives. A year ago my mom was still alive and helping me through this transition. She's not here now to talk with me and pray with me. But there is one thing that is continuing to resonate with me. As we were deciding on this new position I felt rushed. I felt like it was all happening too quickly. I went to her for advice and prayer. I knew she couldn't make the decision for me, but knew she would pray. She told me to write down the date that the Lord confirms what we are to do. That way in times of need I can refer back to that date and be reminded of His calling.

May 29, 2011 - I was teaching 7th & 8th grade girls Sunday school. We were in the midst of this monumental decision. I was reading over my lesson one last time before the girls came to class and it was like the words jumped off the page... literally. "God has made it clear whom you should serve." And at that moment His peace rested on me. I had the confirmation Trey was waiting for me to have. We were to take this step. This leap of faith. And so we did.

Now here I am. So grateful for a mother who loved the Lord first and allowed that to permeate her life and relationships. In my moment of freak out when I long for her advice, the Lord gives me His peace through her words over a year ago. Yes, everything is different than a year ago. And it's about to be a much more drastic change. But there is one thing I'm certain of, our God never changes. He remains faithful through our trials. He remains constant through our change. He is good. He is in control.

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. "
Matthew 6:25-34 NASB

Family Time

We had a weekend off here in Vancouver where our family and friends could come visit us. Trey's parents & sister came and my dad came. It was such a great time together. We were able to show them around our new town and share what all we've learned since living here. We also did touristy things that we aren't able to do in our regular life because we don't have a car... and they did :) I'll let you live through our weekend together in pictures.

We started the weekend driving the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. It's a beautiful road that runs along the water and gorgeous mountain range. Whistler hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. We got to see 2 bears and shoot the same guns the athletes use on the Biathlon. I didn't even know what that was until we were there :) BUT for only my 2nd time shooting a gun I got all 5 targets! And so did Trey's sister, Kristen... so we have bragging rights! On the way back to Vancouver we stopped at a couple different lookout points and an incredible waterfall.

On Saturday, we went whale watching! It was absolutely incredible. We saw bald eagles, California Sea Lions, & Orca whales. Our boat was supposed to leave port and head south into US waters, but they got reports of a pod of whales north in Canadian waters. This made a difference because we were able to get much much closer to the whales. We weren't by any means within an arm's distance, but I was able to get some good pictures with our zoom lens. Not to mention, more beautiful snow capped mountains.

On Sunday, we took the ferry over to Vancouver Island and spent the day in Victoria. It was a quaint little town, being the capital. We drove down along the water and again, stopped at some beautiful lookout points. We also got the closest we could to the Pacific Ocean. Now we only have 2 more oceans to make it to and get our picture in front of.

 Monday we slept in! It was great for all of us. We spent the day around downtown Vancouver. There is an incredible park in downtown called Stanley Park. It's massive, on the water with a beautiful view of the city and Lion's Gate Bridge. So of course, we stopped at points along the road and took some pictures :)

They also spent time spoiling us with last minute things we need to take to Africa and some groceries for here. We are so thankful to have supportive family. We did miss my brother and his wife (Allen & Ashley). They couldn't come because she's due with their first child within the next two weeks. And miss all of our other extended family. Wish we could pack up everyone we love in a crate or suitcase and take them with us. Unfortunately, we can't. We said our goodbyes to Trey's family late Monday night and my dad early Tuesday morning. We can't wait for them to come visit us on the other side of the world!